Cytokine Assay Manual

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    Cytokine AssayInstruction Manual

    For technical support, call your local Bio-Rad office or

    in the US, call 1-800-4BIORAD (1-800-424-6723).

    For research use only. Not for diagnostic procedures.

    Bio Plex

    Precision Pro

    TM

    -

    Requires Bio-Plex

    Manager 4.1 software

    (or later versions)

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    Table of Contents

    Section 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    Section 2 Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

    Section 3 Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

    Section 4 Recommended Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

    Section 5 Sample Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

    Section 6 Standard Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

    Section 7 Control Preparation (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

    Section 8 Assay Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

    Plan Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

    Prepare Coupled Magnetic Beads . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Calibrate Vacuum Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    Assay Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

    Section 9 Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

    Section 10 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

    Section 11 Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

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    Section 1Introduction

    Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays are highly sensitive magneticbead-based multiplex assays that allow the accurate measurement of low

    levels of cytokines in diverse matrices including serum, plasma, and culture

    supernatant. The multiplexing feature makes it possible to quantitate the

    level of multiple cytokines in a single well of a 96-well microplate in just

    3 hr, using as little as 12.5 l of serum or plasma, or 50 l of culture

    supernatant.

    As one of the most recent additions to the Bio-Plex suspension arraysystem, these assays incorporate magnetic beads into their design. The

    magnetic beads allow the use of an assay protocol similar to non-

    magnetic Bio-Plex cytokine assays, with the option of using magnetic

    separation of wash steps instead of vacuum filtration (and allows

    automation of many of the steps). The 25-bead map in Bio-Plex

    Manager 4.1 software (or later versions) is required for data acquisition.

    These assays are offered in a convenient kit format that includes assay,reagent, and diluent components in a single box. Standard diluents for

    serum and plasma are included, as are additional Iylophilized cytokines

    which can be used to prepare user-specified quality controls.

    For a current listing of Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays, visit us on

    the Web at www.bio-rad.com/bio-plex/

    1

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    Section 2Principle

    TechnologyThe Bio-Plex suspension array system is built around three core

    technologies. The first is a novel technology that uses up to 100 unique

    fluorescently dyed beads (xMAP technology) that permit the simultaneous

    detection of up to 100 different types of molecules in a single well of a

    96-well microplate. The second is a flow cytometer with two lasers and

    associated optics to measure the different molecules bound to the

    surface of the beads. The third is a high-speed digital signal processor

    that efficiently manages the fluorescent output.

    Assay Format

    The principle of these 96-well plate-formatted, bead-based assays is similar

    to a capture sandwich immunoassay. An antibody directed against the

    desired target cytokine is covalently coupled to internally dyed beads. The

    coupled beads are allowed to react with a sample containing the target

    cytokine. After a series of washes to remove unbound protein, a

    biotinylated detection antibody specific for a different epitope is added to

    the reaction. The result is the formation of a sandwich of antibodies around

    the target cytokine. Streptavidin-phycoerythrin (streptavidin-PE) is then

    added to bind to the biotinylated detection antibodies on the bead surface.

    Data Acquisition and Analysis

    Data from the reaction are then acquired using the Bio-Plex suspension

    array system (or Luminex system), a dual-laser, flow-based microplate

    reader system. The contents of the well are drawn up into the reader.

    The lasers and associated optics detect the internal fluorescence of the

    individual dyed beads as well as the fluorescent signal on the bead

    surface. This identifies each assay and reports the level of target protein

    in the well. Intensity of fluorescence detected on the beads indicates the

    relative quantity of targeted molecules. A high speed-digital processor

    efficiently manages the data output, which is further analyzed and

    presented as fluorescence intensity on Bio-Plex Manager software, theaccompanying software package.

    2

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    Assay Workflow

    3

    Add beads

    Wash

    Add standards, controls,

    and samples, 1hr

    Wash

    Add detection antibody, 30 min

    Wash

    Add streptavidin-PE, 10 min

    Wash

    Resuspend, acquire data

    Prewet wells

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    Section 3Required Materials

    Bio-Plex Precision Pro assays are offered in a convenient kit formatthat includes assay, reagent, and diluent components all in a single box

    (does not require separate reagent and diluent kits). These assays require

    the use of Bio-Plex Manager software version 4.1 or higher.

    Storage and Stability

    Kit components should be stored at 4C and should never be frozen.

    Coupled magnetic beads and streptavidin-PE should be stored in the

    dark. All components are guaranteed for up to 6 months from the date

    of purchase when stored as specified in this manual.

    Coupled magnetic beads (25x) 1 vial

    Detection antibodies (10x) 1 vial

    Standard 2 vials

    Control 1 vial

    Standard diluent (serum) 10 ml

    Standard diluent (plasma) 10 ml

    Sample diluent 15 ml

    Assay buffer 75 ml

    Wash buffer 150 ml

    Detection antibody diluent 15 ml

    Streptavidin-PE (100x) 1 vial

    Sterile filter plate (96-well) 1 plate

    Sealing tape 1 pack of 4

    Component Units

    4

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    Section 4Recommended Materials

    For optimal results, the use of the items below is recommended.

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    Pipets and pipet tips, sterile distilled

    water, aluminum foil, absorbent

    paper towels, 1.5 ml microcentrifugetubes, 15 ml culture tubes

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    Section 5Sample Preparation

    This section provides instructions for preparing samples derived fromserum, plasma, and culture supernatant. For sample preparations not

    mentioned here, consult the publications listed in Bio-Rad bulletin 5297,

    available for download at discover.bio-rad.com

    Serum and Plasma Samples

    Note that for plasma samples, EDTA tubes are recommended; however,

    sodium citrate tubes are acceptable. Extremely lipemic samples may be

    filtered with a 0.22 m filter to prevent clogging. Hemolyzed samples arenot suitable for Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays.

    1. Collect and process the serum or plasma samples and assay

    immediately or freeze at 20C. Avoid repeat freezing and thawing.

    2. Centrifuge the samples at 13,200 rpm for 10 min at 4C

    to clear the samples of precipitate. Alternatively, carefully filter the

    samples with a 0.22 m filter to prevent instrument clogging.

    3. Immediately dilute 1 volume of sample with 3 volumes of sample

    diluent. Keep the samples on ice until ready for use.

    Culture Supernatant Samples

    1. Collect and process the culture supernatant samples and assay

    immediately or freeze at 20C. Avoid repeat freezing and thawing.

    2. If required, dilute the culture supernatant with culture medium.Serum-free culture medium should contain carrier protein (such as

    BSA) at a concentration of at least 0.5%. Keep the samples on ice

    until ready for use.

    6

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    Section 6Standard Preparation

    Two tubes of Iyophilized cytokine standard are provided in each Bio-Plex

    Precision Pro cytokine assay. However, only one of the tubes is required per

    96-well plate. The product insert provided with the assay lists the

    concentration of the reconstituted standard. This procedure will prepare

    enough standard to run each dilution in duplicate.

    Reconstitute Standards

    1. Gently tap the glass vial containing the lyophilized cytokine standard

    on a solid surface to ensure the pellet is at the bottom.

    2. Reconstitute 1 vial of lyophilized standard with 500 l of the

    appropriate standard diluent. Do not use assay buffer to dilute

    standards.

    3. Gently vortex 13 sec and incubate on ice for 30 min. Be

    consistent with the incubation time for optimal assay performance.

    Prepare Standard Dilution Series

    The cytokine concentrations specified for the 8-point standard dilution set

    have been selected for optimized curve fitting using the 5-parameter

    logistic (5PL) or 4-parameter logistic (4PL) regression in Bio-Plex

    Manager software. Results generated using dilution points other than

    those listed in this manual have not been optimized.

    1. Label a set of 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes as shown in the diagram on

    the next page.

    Serum Serum standard diluent

    Plasma Plasma standard diluent

    Culture supernatant Same culture medium usedto prepare samples

    Sample Standard Diluent

    7

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    2. Pipet the appropriate volume of standard diluent into the tubes (see

    diagram below). Use serum standard diluent for serum samples,

    plasma standard diluent for plasma samples, and culture medium for

    culture samples.

    3. Add 25.6 l of the reconstituted standard to the first 1.5 ml tube

    containing 374.4 l of standard diluent. Vortex gently. This is

    identified as S1 in the diagram below and in the product insert

    provided with assay.

    4. Continue making serial dilutions of the standard as shown. After

    making each dilution, vortex gently and change the pipet tip after

    every transfer.

    NOTE: Running an additional two 0 pg/ml blanks is stronglyrecommended. Use 50 l of the appropriate standard diluent as the

    blank sample. The 0 pg/ml points should be formatted as blanks,

    not as points in the curve, when using Bio-Plex Manager software.

    The blank wells are also useful for troubleshooting and determining

    LOD.

    5. Keep the standards on ice until ready for use. Standards should be

    used immediately and should not be frozen for future use.Standard Dilution Series

    8

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    9

    Section 7Control Preparation (Optional)

    One tube of lyophilized cytokine control is provided in each Bio-Plex PrecisionPro cytokine assay. The preparation of high, medium, and low controls is

    optional to monitor plate-to-plate variations. This section provides instructions

    on how to reconstitute the Iyophilized control. The product insert provided with

    the assay lists the concentration of the reconstituted control. The reconstituted

    control can then be further diluted to prepare any concentration of user-

    specified quality controls. To ensure optimal assay performance, the cytokine

    controls should be prepared in a manner consistent as that used to prepare thecytokine standards.

    Reconstitute Cytokine Controls

    1. Gently tap the glass vial containing the lyophilized cytokine control on

    a solid surface to ensure the pellet is at the bottom.

    2. Reconstitute 1 vial of lyophilized control with 500 l of the appropriate

    diluent. Do not use assay buffer to dilute controls. This is identified

    as C0 in the product insert provided with the assay.

    3. Gently vortex 1 3 sec and incubate on ice for 30 min. Be consistent

    with the incubation time to ensure optimal assay performance.

    4. The reconstituted cytokine control should be further diluted to create

    the desired QC samples in the same diluents specified in the table

    above. To obtain the concentration of each reconstituted cytokine

    control, refer to C0 in the product insert provided with the assay.

    Serum Serum standard diluent

    Plasma Plasma standard diluent

    Culture supernatant Same culture medium used

    to prepare samples

    Sample Diluent

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    10

    Section 8Assay Instructions

    The following instructions apply to Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokineassays. All of the necessary components are provided premixed for ease

    of use.

    Plan Experiment

    1. Assign which wells of a 96-well plate will be used for each standard,

    control, and sample (see the example below).

    2. Determine the total number of wells that will be used in the assay.Include a 25% excess (or add 2 wells for every 8 wells used) to

    ensure that enough diluted coupled beads, detection antibodies,

    and streptavidin-PE are prepared.

    Example Plate

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    11

    Prepare Coupled Magnetic Beads

    Protect the beads from light by covering the tubes with aluminum foil.

    Keep all tubes on ice until ready to use.

    1. Vortex the coupled beads (25x) at medium speed for 1520 sec.

    2. Prepare a sufficient volume of coupled beads (1x) using assay

    buffer. Each well requires 2 l of coupled beads (25x) adjusted to a

    final volume of 50 l with assay buffer (refer to the example below).

    Calibrate Vacuum ApparatusThe vacuum apparatus must be calibrated at the beginning of the assay

    to ensure an optimal bead yield. For more detailed instructions, refer to

    the Bio-Plex suspension array system hardware instruction manual.

    1. Prewet all the wells of a 96-well filter plate with 100 l of assay buffer.

    2. Place the filter plate on the vacuum apparatus and turn on the

    vacuum to the maximum level.

    3. Press on the filter plate and note the time required to remove the

    buffer from the wells by vacuum filtration. The evacuation time

    should be 25 sec.

    If the evacuation time is 5 sec, the pressure is too low. Close the

    vacuum control valve slightly and repeat steps 13.

    # of Wells 25x Beads (l) Assay Buffer (l) Total Volume (l)

    96

    48

    32

    24

    240

    120

    80

    60

    5,760

    2,880

    1,920

    1,440

    6,000

    3,000

    2,000

    1,500

    Example Bead Calculations

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    12

    Assay Procedure

    Bring all buffers to room temperature. Avoid bubbles when pipetting.

    Assay Key The following terms are repeated throughout the assay

    procedure. Refer to these detailed instructions when wash, incubate, and

    vacuum-filter are shown in bold.

    1. Equilibrate the diluted standards, samples, and controls at roomtemperature for 20 min prior to use.

    2. Prewet and block the desired number of wells in a 96-well filter plate

    with 100 l of assay buffer and vacuum-filter. If fewer than 96 wells

    are required, mark the plate to identify the unused wells for later use

    and cover the unused wells with sealing tape.

    3. Vortex the coupled magnetic beads (1x) for 1520 sec at medium

    speed. Add 50 l to each well and immediately vacuum-filter.

    4. Wash twice.

    5. Gently vortex the diluted standards, controls, and samples for 13

    sec. Add 50 l of standard, control, or sample to each well, changing

    the pipet tip after every volume transfer. Incubate for 1 hr.

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    Gently cover the filter plate with a new sheet of sealing tape. Place

    the filter plate on a microplate shaker and then cover with aluminum

    foil. Shake the filter plate at room temperature at 1,100 rpm for

    30 sec, then at 300 rpm for the specified incubation time.

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    13

    6. While the samples are incubating, perform a 30 sec quick-spin

    centrifugation of the detection antibody (10x) prior to pipetting to

    collect the entire volume at the bottom of the vial.

    7. Prepare a sufficient volume of detection antibodies (1x) using

    detection antibody diluent. Each well requires 2.5 l of detection

    antibodies (10x) adjusted to a final volume of 25 l with detection

    antibody diluent (refer to the example below).

    8. After incubating the samples, slowly remove and discard the sealing

    tape, then vacuum-filter.

    9. Wash 3 times.

    10. Vortex the detection antibodies gently and add 25 l to each well.

    Incubate for 30 min.

    11. While the detection antibodies are incubating, perform a 30 sec

    quick-spin centrifugation of the streptavidin-PE (100x) prior to

    pipetting to collect the entire volume at the bottom of the vial.

    12. Prepare a sufficient volume of streptavidin-PE (1x) using assay buffer.

    Each well requires 0.5 l of streptavidin-PE (100x) adjusted to a final

    volume of 50 l with assay buffer (refer to the example on the

    following page).

    Example Detection Antibody Calculations

    # of Wells10x Detection

    Antibody (l)Total Volume (l)

    96

    48

    32

    24

    300

    150

    100

    75

    2,700

    1,350

    900

    675

    3,000

    1,500

    1,000

    750

    Detection Antibody

    Diluent (l)

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    14

    13. After the detection antibody incubation, slowly remove and discard

    the sealing tape, then vacuum-filter.

    14. Wash 3 times.

    15. Vortex the streptavidin-PE (1x) vigorously and add 50 l to each well.

    Incubate for 10 min.

    16. After the streptavidin-PE incubation, slowly remove and discard the

    sealing tape, then vacuum-filter.

    17. Wash 3 times.

    18. Add 125 l of assay buffer to each well. Incubate for 30 sec to

    resuspend the beads. Acquire the data immediately as described in

    Section 9.

    # of Wells100x

    Streptavidin-PE(l)

    Total Volume (l)

    96

    48

    32

    24

    60

    30

    20

    15

    5,940

    2,970

    1,980

    1,485

    6,000

    3,000

    2,000

    1,500

    Assay Buffer (l)

    Example Streptavidin-PE Calculations

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    15

    Section 9Data Acquisition

    Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays require the use of Bio-PlexManager software version 4.1 or higher. Recommendations for acquiring

    data using the Bio-Plex suspension array system are listed below.

    Alternatively, refer to the Bio-Plex Manager software user guide or the

    instructions provided with the Luminex instrument.

    Prepare System

    1. Empty the waste bottle and fill the sheath fluid bottle before starting

    (if HTF not present). This will prevent fluidic system backup andpotential data loss.

    2. Turn on the reader and microplate platform (and HTF if present). Allow

    the system to warm up for 30 min.

    3. Select Start up and follow the instructions to prepare the reader

    to acquire data. If the system is idle for 4 hr, the lasers will automatically

    turn off and a 30 min warm-up period will again be required prior toacquiring data. Select Warm up and wait for the optics to reach

    operational temperature.

    Calibrate With High RP1 Target Value

    Calibrate using Bio-Plex calibration beads and target values. Daily

    calibration is recommended before acquiring data.

    1. Select Calibrate and confirm that the default values for CAL1

    and CAL2 are the same as the values on the Bio-Plex calibrationbead labels. Use the Bio-Plex High RP1 target value for CAL2

    calibration for Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays.

    NOTE: When acquiring data for Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine

    assays with a Luminex instrument, Luminex software, and Luminex

    calibration beads, it is necessary to convert the Luminex CAL2

    calibration bead RP1 target value using the following equation:

    Bio-Plex High RP1 target value = (Luminex RP1 target value) x 4.55

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    Add the new target value to the Luminex software by selecting

    Calibrate, then New under the Reporter Channel in the Start

    Calibration dialog. Enter the new target value and save it as a new lot.

    Then calibrate using the new RP1 target value.

    2. Select OK and follow the instructions for CAL1 and CAL 2 calibration.

    Prepare Protocol

    1. Open a new protocol by selecting File, then New from the main

    menu. Locate the steps at the left of the protocol menu.

    NOTE: To minimize data entry, preset lot-specific Bio-Plex Precision

    Pro cytokine assay protocols are available for download at

    www.bio-rad.com/bio-plex

    2. Select Step 1 (Describe Protocol) and enter information about the

    assay.

    3. Select Step 2 (Select Analytes) and choose the panel for Cytokines.

    Choose the target proteins for the assays on the plate. Note that this

    information will already be entered with the preset downloaded

    protocol.

    Plate Formatting Example

    16

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    17

    4. Select Step 3 (Format Plate) and click on the Plate Formatting tab.

    Click on and drag the cursor over all the wells that contain

    standards. Then click on and drag the cursor over the wells that

    contain blanks. Repeat with to identify all the wells that contain

    controls and to identify all the wells that contain samples.

    NOTE: If the preset protocol was downloaded, a formatted plate will

    already be provided. Make any necessary changes to the preset

    formatted plate to match your plate setup.

    5. Select Step 4 (Enter Standards Info) to enter standards information.Note that this information will already be entered with the presetdownload protocol.

    a) Select each analyte individually from the pull-down cell.

    b) Select the Enter Automatically option and then select the mostconcentrated value as S1.

    c) Enter the concentration of S1 from the product insert providedwith the assay.

    d) Enter the dilution factor as 4 and select Calculate. The standardsinformation will be populated for the selected analyte.

    e) Deselect the box for same concentration values for all analytes.Repeat steps 5a through 5d for each analyte in the assay.

    6. Select Step 5 (Enter Controls Info) to enter controls information. Thisis where the concentration of the user-specified controls is enteredinto the protocol.

    a) Select each analyte individually from the pull down cell.

    b) Enter the description, concentration, and dilution information for

    each user-specified control.

    c) Deselect the box for same concentration values for all analytes.Repeat steps 6a and 6b for each analyte in the assay.

    7. Select Step 6 (Enter Sample Info) and enter sample information.

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    18

    Acquire Data

    1. Shake the assay plate at 1,100 rpm for 30 sec immediately before

    acquiring data. Failure to do so will result in increased data acquisition

    time due to bead settling.

    2. Check that the filter plate is flat. While pressing on one end of the

    plate, observe the distance that the opposite end of the plate is

    raised off a flat surface. If the distance is >1 mm, transfer all contents

    to a flat-bottom 96-well plate or another filter plate.

    3. Visually inspect the plate and ensure that the assay wells are filled with

    buffer prior to placing the plate in the Bio-Plex microplate platform.

    4. Slowly remove the sealing tape and any plate cover before placingthe plate in the reader.

    5. Select Step 7 (Run Protocol):

    a) Specify data acquisition for 100 beads per region.

    b) In Advanced Settings, set the Bead Map to 25 region.

    NOTE: Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays contain magnetic

    beads and require the use of the 25 region map available in Bio-

    Plex Manager software version 4.1 or higher.

    c) In Advanced Settings, set the sample size to 50 l.

    d) In Advanced Settings, confirm that the default DD gate values

    are set to 5000 (low) and 32000 (high).

    NOTE: When using a Luminex instrument, set the gates

    according to the Luminex procedure located in the manual.

    e) Select Start and save the .rbx file. Then follow the instructions for

    data acquisition.

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    19

    6. If acquiring data from more than one plate, empty the waste bottleand refill the sheath bottle after each plate (if HTF not present). SelectWash Between Plates and follow the instructions for fluidicsmaintenance. Then repeat the Prepare Protocol andAcquire Datasteps.

    NOTE: Use the Wash Between Plates command after every platerun to reduce the possibility of clogging the instrument.

    7. When data acquisition is complete, select Shut Down andfollow the instructions.

    Reacquire Data

    It is possible to acquire data from a well or plate a second time using the

    Rerun/Recovery mode located below Start in Step 7 (Run Protocol).

    1. Check the wells where data will be acquired a second time.Any previous data will be overwritten.

    2. Remove the buffer by vacuum filtration and add 125 l of assaybuffer to each well. Cover the filter plate with a new sheet ofsealing tape.

    3. RepeatAcquire Data steps 16 to acquire data a second time.The data acquired should be similar to the data acquired initially;however, the data acquisition time will be extended since fewerbeads are present in each well.

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    Section 10Troubleshooting Guides

    This troubleshooting guide addresses problems that may be encountered with

    Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays. If you experience any of the problems

    listed below, review the possible causes and solutions provided. This will assist

    you in resolving problems directly related to how the assay steps should be

    performed. Poor assay performance may also be due to the Bio-Plex array

    reader. To eliminate this possibility, we highly recommend use of the Bio-Plex

    validation kit. This kit will validate all the key functions of the array reader and

    assist the user in determining whether or not the array reader is functioning

    properly.

    Possible Causes Possible Solutions

    20

    High Inter-Assay CV

    Standards were not

    reconstituted consistently

    Incubate the reconstituted

    standards for 30 min on ice. Always

    be consistent with the incubationtime and temperature.

    Reconstituted standards and

    diluted samples were not stored

    properly

    Reconstituted standards and diluted

    samples should be prepared on ice

    as instructed. Prior to plating, the

    reconstituted standards and diluted

    samples should be equilibrated to

    room temperature.

    High Intra-Assay CV

    Bottom of filter plate not dry Dry the bottom of the filter plate with

    absorbent paper towel (preferably

    lint-free) to prevent cross-

    contamination.

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    21

    Possible Causes Possible Solutions

    Pipetting technique Pipet carefully and slowly when

    adding standards, samples,

    detection antibodies, and

    streptavidin-PE, especially when

    using a multichannel pipet. Use a

    calibrated pipet. Change pipet tip

    after every volume transfer.

    Reagents and assay components

    were not equilibrated to room

    temperature prior to plating

    All reagents and assay components

    should be equilibrated to room

    temperature prior to plating.

    Contamination with wash

    buffer during wash steps

    During the wash steps, be careful

    not to splash wash buffer from one

    well to another. Be sure that the

    wells are filtered completely and that

    no residual volume remains. Also,

    be sure that the microplate shaker

    setting is not too high. Reduce the

    microplate shaker speed to minimize

    splashing.

    Slow pipeting samples and

    reagents across the plate

    Sample pipeting across the entire

    plate should take less than 4 min.

    Reagent pipeting across the entireplate should take less than 1 min.

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    22

    Possible Causes Possible Solutions

    Low Bead Count

    Miscalculation of bead dilution Check your calculations and be

    careful to add the correct volumes.

    Beads clumped in multiplex

    bead stock tube

    Vortex for 1520 sec at medium

    speed before aliquoting beads.

    Vacuum on for too long when

    aspirating buffer from wells

    Do not apply vacuum to the filter

    plate for longer than 10 sec after the

    buffer is completely drained from

    each well.

    Did not shake filter plate enough

    before incubation steps and prior

    to reading

    Shake the filter plate at 1,100 rpm

    for 30 sec before incubation steps

    and immediately before reading

    the plate.

    Reader is clogged Refer to the troubleshooting guide

    in the Bio-Plex hardwareinstruction manual.

    Low Signal or Poor Sensitivity

    Standards reconstituted incorrectly Follow the cytokine standard

    instructions carefully.

    Detection antibody or

    streptavidin-PE diluted incorrectly

    Check your calculations and be

    careful to add the correct volumes.

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    23

    Possible Causes Possible Solutions

    High Background Signal

    Incorrect buffer was used

    (for example, assay buffer

    used to dilute standards)

    Use sample matrix or serum

    standard diluent to dilute

    cytokine standards.

    Spiked 0 pg/ml wells by mistake Be careful when spiking standards.

    Do not add any antigens in the 0

    (blank) point.

    Streptavidin-PE incubated

    too long

    Follow the procedure incubation

    time.

    Poor Recovery

    Expired Bio-Plex reagents were

    used

    Check that reagents have not

    expired. Use new or unexpired

    components.

    Incorrect amounts of components

    were added

    Check your calculations and be

    careful to add the correct volumes.

    Microplate shaker set to an

    incorrect speed

    Check the microplate shaker speed

    and use the recommended setting.

    Setting the speed too high may

    cause splashing and contamination.

    Use the recommended plate shaker.

    Pipetting technique Pipet carefully and slowly when

    adding standards, samples,

    detection antibodies, and

    streptavidin-PE, especially when

    using a multichannel pipet. Use a

    calibrated pipet. Change pipet tip

    after every volume transfer.

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    24

    Section 11Safety Considerations

    Eye protection and gloves are recommended while using this product.

    Consult the MSDS for additional information.

    Human Source Material. Treat As Potentially Infectious.

    The Bio-Plex Precision Pro cytokine assays contain components of

    human origin. This material should be handled as if capable of

    transmitting infectious agents. Please use universal precautions. The

    material has been tested by an FDA approved test and found negative

    for HBsAg, HIV 1/2 Ab, HIV-1 Ag, and HCV. No test method can provide

    total assurance that hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human

    immunodeficiency virus, or other infectious agents are absent. These

    components should be handled at Biosafety Level 2 containment [US

    Government publication: Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical

    Laboratories (CDC, 1999)]. Handle Bio-Plex Precision Pro serum and

    plasma standard diluents as potentially biohazardous material under atleast Biosafety Level 2 containment.

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    xMAP is a trademark of Luminex Corp.

    Costar is a trademark of Coming Costar Corporation. Eppendorf is a trademark of

    Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH. Luminex 100 and xMAP are trademarks of Luminex

    Corporation. Multiscreen is a trademark of Millipore Corporation. Vortex-Genie is a trademark

    of Scientific Industries, Inc.

    By purchasing this kit, which contains fluorescent labeled microsphere beads authorized by

    Luminex, you, the customer, acquire the right under Luminex's patent rights* to use this kit or

    any portion of this kit, including without limitation the microsphere beads contained herein, only

    with Luminexs laser-based fluorescent analytical test instrumentation known under the name

    of Luminex 100, for example as marketed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in the Bio-Plex

    system.

    *Including, but not limited to US patent 5,981,180; 6,046,807; 6,057,107.

    25

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    Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

    2000 Alfred Nobel Dr.

    Hercules, CA 94547 USA

    1-800-424-6723 (in the US)

    Life ScienceGroup

    06-0143 0305 Sig 110610008318 US/EG Rev A

    Bio-RadLaboratories, Inc.

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